A Foggy Visit

This weekend we had the pleasure of hosting my cousin and her family at our home.  They made the round-about trip from San Francisco to Chicago with stops in Ames, IA and of course here in Kieler.  It was a GREAT visit.  Marla and Jason's son, Ethan is 2 yrs.  falling right in between our girls.  He and Katie had so much fun playing cousin to cousin.  They really hit it off.  We welcomed them Sunday afternoon and had pizza last night at Gooch's in downtown Kieler.  We shared great conversations over a few Potosi Steamboat Shandys.  This morning the girls and I brought them down to the Mississippi at Lou's Sandy Dam Acres.  Showed them Deere, cattle, chickens, turkeys, tractors, trains, dump trucks and dirtied their shoes a bit.  Ethan liked it.  Unfortunately the visit was short lived but after such a pleasant time promises were made to do it again...in CA, WI, IL or maybe TX next time.

Trying to get the kids to look at the camera.

Notice Kate's face hasn't changed.

Two out of three ain't bad.

Enjoying the playset in the backyard with Ethan.

Keeping Jason busy pushing.

"I Own A State" - Camping Trip

Earlier in August we headed to my college alma mater in Winona, MN for a 100th anniversary celebration at St. Mary's Parish, my first out of college job.  I was the youth director there and at the Cathedral Parish for 2 years after graduation.  Kate has a Winona State shirt and everytime she wears it she 'reads' it as "I own a state!"  Hence the post's title. 

Here are some shots from out overnight camping excurssion the day before the Centenntial Mass and Dinner held that same weekend.

At our campsite...

We had some of my friends come for smores that evening.

Coming out of the tent...

Waking up that morning...in the tent.

Before Katie woke up

The next day...the girls were 'bugs' lunch'

Back home with the marks to prove our camping success.

Family Reunion- this time last summer

We just received this pics from a family reunion that was held the first weekend in August 2010.  I wanted to post them because of the changes you can see in us but especially in the kiddos. It is amazing what a year holds!

Here we are with Kurt's brother and family representing the Frances Timmerman line and wearing brown our assigned color.  Random note-I really like my hair in this picture.

Julia, August 2010

My big girl, Katie playing to the camera man.

I think she was doing tricks in the grass.  The bruises on her legs look pretty much the same this summer only with additional mosquito bites, lovely!

The Almost After

We are not quite done with the remodel but I know a few folks have been waiting to see the after pictures.  Because the project isn't completely finished these will be the almost after pictures.  Also, please pardon any messes you might see in these shots as we're still working on the living in the new space details. 

Taken from the dining room into the kitchen.

One of my favorite cabinet features are the two doored cabinets where I can access my tableware from the kitchen or dining room.  Also, you can see some of the cabinet detailing in this picture.

From the living room at the dining room and new stool friendly counter.  The girls and I are loving breakfasts at the bar!  Notice how wonderful the vinyl floor is for sweeping messes and wiping spills?  Beats that carpet any day!

Kitchen counter top and sink- still cluttered because the electrical and tile isn't in yet and a few items are waiting for permanent homes.

New additional cabinets and microwave shelf that are mounted into the wall adjacent the kitchen.  Its not the best angle but I haven't figured out a better place to take the picture from yet.

And the floor, it goes from the entry into the laundry, kitchen, dining room and ends in the hallway....beautiful!

Hopefully I'll be able to add the final pictures sooner rather than later.  But that should quench the curiosity of a few. 

A Week Up North

Because of the remodel and Kurt being away for work the end of July we all headed up north for my Mom's birthday.  Spent the weekend in Rhinelander with my youngest brother, John (and all the rest of the family) 'camping' and boating in the beautiful weather.  Kurt headed home on Sunday and the girls and I stayed on for some more time at the Lake with my parents and family in Medford.  Highlights included time at Gramma's Library, dress shopping for our upcoming wedding in Norway, a night at the Taylor Co. Fair and plenty of time in and on the water!

Kate showing her squirt gun prowess at Lake 19 (or as she called it Lake 13).

A huge caterpillar that Dad and Tom found at Lake 19.  Well on its way to becoming a Luna Moth.

Julia having her first ice cream cone.

Fishing with Gramps.

On the pontoon at Sackett's.

At Sackett's there's always been a sandbar but we've never seen the rocks on it piled so high!

Putting out the raft at Lake 19.  Kate gave the inaugeral jump! She is such a fish.

 

During...

Now that we've had sufficient time to recover from demolition and time sans kitchen and all that goes with it, I thought I'd better at least post an update.  So for your enjoyment here are the during pictures of our dining room/kitchen remodel.

Tearing up the indoor/outdoor carpeting that plagued the dining room. Yuck!

This is Lindsey, our help, packing up EVERYTHING in the kitchen and dining room and moving it downstairs for the duration. God Bless Lindsey!

Planning what needed to be painted after the cabinets were down and out.

Moving in the new subfloor.  Man does that eliminate the creaking!

Julia enjoying basement living.

Our other huge help, our niece Laura, pictured here with Kate.  Laura helped me with the girls during the remodel and Vacation Bible School.  She even came back for more in subsequent weeks.  God Bless Laura!

So to update you, the remodel is over half done.  We have some tiling to finish in the kitchen. The contractor is coming back to complete the trimming.  And Kurt's wrapping up the kitchen electrical and then we'll be done, I think. ;-)   The new flooring and cabinets give the house a totally different look.  I'm super pleased.  So, stay tuned I'll post nearly finished pictures soon...

The Before